Research Specialist

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Experimental Responsibilities:

• Performs basic cell culture techniques and laboratory methods/techniques associated with genetics and molecular biology such as:
  • Isolation of DNA and RNA, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, DNA electrophoresis, Southern blotting, DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, quantitative and qualitative analyses of DNA and RNA molecules, as well as other functional and enzymatic assays.
• Prepares buffers and solutions/reagents; contributes to the maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies; manages sample inventories and locations, concentrations, and volumes; conducts routine radiation surveys, safety tests, monitors safety compliance and prepares the laboratory for safety inspections.
• Maintains careful records of all experiments performed.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Responsible for daily ordering of all laboratory consumables, reagents, supplies, and equipment; maintains financial records.
• Ensures charges, invoices, and orders are correctly routed to the proper grant and category and through communication with laboratory staff, collaborators and the PI regarding appropriation of funds.
• Responsible for equipment inventories and maintenance, including scheduling of service/preventative maintenance and maintaining service contracts on all equipment where applicable.
• Ensures all laboratory protocols and biosafety approvals are up-to-date.

Laboratory Coordination Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall operational elements of laboratory functioning as a representative for the PI.
• Acts as a project coordinator for the lab.
• Coordinates with all other supporting staff units including administration and IT.
• Exercises good judgment and responsibility for decisions and results.
• Helps to hire guide, and train incoming laboratory staff.
• Advises personnel on proper laboratory techniques and use of laboratory equipment.
• Advises personnel on the proper maintenance of laboratory notebooks and electronic files.
• Ensures the laboratory and staff comply with annual safety inspections and safety office recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or related field.
• 1 Year of related laboratory experience.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must have a working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies and laboratory experience: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, microbiology and/or genetics.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $16.13 - $22.15/hr (commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM- 5 PM
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Genetics Institute of Gen Medicine
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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